Acute wards are the focus of media attention and often the first point of contact in a hospital situation for the general public. The intensive nature of treatment within the framework of acute hospital care calls for a special kind of approach from a management point of view. High levels of resources and manpower are frequently necessary to cope with unexpected emergencies that occur on a daily basis, and this aspect of patient care places the health care professional in continuing alert situations. This text teaches the skills and guidelines necessary to ensure the efficient management of an acute ward.